The longitudinal effects of cancer treatment on sexuality in individuals with lung cancer

    Authors

    J. A. Shell; M. Carolan; Y. Zhang;K. D. Meneses

    Comments

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    Abbreviated Journal Title

    Oncol. Nurs. Forum

    Keywords

    QUALITY-OF-LIFE; BREAST-CANCER; SOCIAL SUPPORT; DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS; PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES; PROSTATE-CANCER; SURVIVORS; WOMEN; ADJUSTMENT; Oncology; Nursing

    Abstract

    Purpose/Objectives: To examine changes in sexual functioning during treatment for lung cancer and the extent to which age, gender, social support, and mood status affect sexual dysfunction. Design: Prospective, exploratory. Setting: Outpatient cancer clinic. Sample: 59 of 84 eligible patients diagnosed with small cell or non-small cell lung cancer. Methods: The Derogatis Interview for Sexual Function, Self-Report, to measure sexual functioning; the Social Provisions Scale to measure social support; and the Derogatis Affects Balance Scale to measure mood status were administered at diagnosis and at two and four months during treatment. Main Research Variables: Level of sexual function, treatment, age, gender, social support, and mood status. Findings: Results indicate a decrease in sexual function but no significant change in sexual function between the two treatment groups. Age was a significant factor affecting sexual function. Gender significantly affected sexual function at time 2 only. Between times 1 and 2, mood status had a significant relationship with sexual function. Social support did not affect sexual function directly; social support was found to significantly affect mood status. Conclusions: Most patients reported below-normal sexual function at baseline. Sexual function worsened over time. Further research is warranted to examine time, place, and type of intervention needed. Implications for Nursing: New data encourage assessment, intervention, and research related to the sexual function of patients with lung cancer.

    Journal Title

    Oncology Nursing Forum

    Volume

    35

    Issue/Number

    1

    Publication Date

    1-1-2008

    Document Type

    Article

    Language

    English

    First Page

    73

    Last Page

    79

    WOS Identifier

    WOS:000252555600010

    ISSN

    0190-535X

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